LTFRB to propose P20-per-liter fuel subsidy for

LTFRB to propose P20-per-liter fuel subsidy for | Daily Tribune

“So that we can help our transport sector, as well as PUJs [Public Utility Jeepneys] and UV Express,” Acting LTFRB Chairman Greg Pua Jr. said on radio program DZMM on Tuesday.

He added that the government is assessing whether drivers are still able to retain sufficient income despite the existing fuel discount provided by the government.

Pua stressed that proposals from the LTFRB are being evaluated by the government’s economic managers, noting that the proposed P20-per-liter fuel subsidy may be considered too high.

“There are different factors. There is budget availability, economic [considerations], and then the reasonable lens of the fuel discount that we are providing,” the acting chairman pointed out, noting that these factors may have been considered in deciding that, instead of P20, only P12 would be given as the fuel discount previously.

The LTFRB reported that it will revive its proposal for a higher fuel subsidy for PUVs, amounting to P20 per liter or more.

Issues on fuel discount

The LTFRB responded to reports that PUV drivers were attempting to avail themselves of the fuel discount even as several gasoline stations in Central Luzon had halted the subsidy, noting that the government still has obligations to the participating fuel stations.

“We have fixed this. There was a time when we were delayed, but we are now on track with the billings of the gasoline stations,” Pua said.

The acting chairman noted that Land Bank, through its system, determines the amount of the P12 fuel discount availed at each participating gasoline station and submits the records to the LTFRB for verification and payment by the agency.

The LTFRB official noted that one of the factors contributing to delays in receiving the subsidy is that the gasoline station’s account may not be with a partner bank participating in the fuel subsidy program.

“If it is Land Bank to Land Bank, [the transaction] is quick. If it is Land Bank to other banks, we know that, even in private transactions, there is a delay in transferring or depositing from Land Bank to other banks,” Pua said.

“Those who reported this to us, we are finding out which gasoline station it is so we can see, first, whether it is still pending; second, what bank it uses; and third, whether Land Bank returned it to us [LTFRB] when we instructed it to make the deposit,” he added.

The LTFRB said it is examining the same concerns in Central Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR).

Franchised vehicles not operating

Pua, however, noted that the rule on abandonment remains in effect, stating that operators whose franchised vehicles are found to have been out of operation for a certain period may be issued a show-cause order by the agency.

“We look into that. We issue them a show-cause order and ask them to explain why their franchise should not be suspended or canceled due to abandonment,” the acting chair said.

PUV drivers, meanwhile, have expressed concerns over the impact of rising fuel prices on their daily income and operating expenses.

Transport strike, plea of drivers

Transport group MANIBELA launched a transport strike on Monday to call for a fare increase, but canceled the strike on its second day.

Meanwhile, several members of the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) staged a noise barrage on Tuesday in Novaliches, Quezon City, following a P5-per-liter increase in fuel prices.

The group called for lower fuel prices, including the removal of excise taxes and value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products.

MANIBELA, meanwhile, posted in a social media post that diesel prices could increase by an estimated P9.40 per liter, while gasoline prices could rise by P4.40 per liter next week.